Bucs strike early, sign DL Johnson, McDonald

Tampa, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - New Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith made news over the weekend by telling the Tampa Tribune that the roster he inherited didn't necessarily mesh with his system.

The franchise began rectifying that on the first day of free agency by signing two high-profile defensive lineman, former Bengals star defensive end Michael Johnson, and ex-Seahawks defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.

Johnson, one of the crown jewels on this year's market, signed a five-year deal worth $43 million, with $23 million of that guaranteed, according to multiple media sources.

A former 2009 third-round selection out of Georgia Tech, Johnson helped anchor one of the NFL's best defensive fronts in Cincinnati but struggled reaching the passer in 2013, amassing just 3 1/2 sacks compared to 11 1/2 the year prior. He is, however, regarded as one of the most complete defensive ends in football.

McDonald, meanwhile, agreed to a four-year, $12 million deal to leave the reigning Super Bowl champions after accumulating 5 1/2 sacks last season as a part-time player.

The Buccaneers also reached an agreement with former Giants tight end Brandon Myers on a two-year contract worth $4 million. Myers, who will turn 29 in September, caught 47 passes for 522 yards and four touchdowns during his lone season in North Jersey, a year after hauling in 79 passes for the Raiders in 2012.

Perhaps the biggest news surrounding the Bucs, however, remained the status of former All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis, who is believed to be on the trading block. The Bucs are expected to release Revis, who is scheduled to make $16 million in 2014, if they can not work out a deal.

Tampa Bay also released veteran kicker Lawrence Tynes, who missed all of last season with a MRSA infection.